Random house

Simple thoughts from a simpleton

by John O'Neill

Every so often you have to go with what's floating around in your head -- especially if the idea of focusing on one particular performer isn't gonna cut it, at least not in a way that's meaningful to anybody. So

shooting from the hip is the next answer. At least if you want to get paid. And we do. Everybody does it. Mike Barnicle got in serious trouble for it, and Walter Crockett made a decent living driving around town and rambling about Duke Levine and Bobby the bartender. If it's good enough for Walter, it's good enough for us. Feel free to drop by and fill our teeny head with tidbits -- chances are you'll read them in a story one day soon.

FOR OUR MONEY, the best local Web site is the Worcester Wormtonian (www.wormtonian.com), a side project of Roadside magazine honcho Randy Garbin. It's an interesting and relatively thorough look at the issues facing the fine folk of Worcester. From the on-going airport dispute to a review of the newest eatery, the Wormtonian (which now features Crockett) pops off on pretty much everything. Though we don't always agree with what he says (particularly when he beats up yours truly), Garbin does have the city's best interest at heart; unlike the majority of the population, he's doing more than sitting on his hands and whining. City council could use a few of him, if just to make Tuesday nights a little more fun.

IF YOU HAVE AN HOUR to kill before heading out this Friday, drop by Cool Beans on Green Street for a special show from Philly's number-one anti-folk phenom, Adam Brodsky. Rocking on traditional folk music with a very punk aesthetic, Brodsky has released a second disc, Folk Remedy (Permanent Records) -- a Top 10 for the year. Guaranteed to anger more conventional folkies, Brodsky marries Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan to the Violent Femmes and Mojo Nixon. He's a marginally talented guitar player, has a voice that's occasionally bray, and is often ridiculous. On top of that, he's brash, drop-dead witty, raw, literate, impassioned, and better than most of what you'll hear. Make sure to buy a copy of the disc while you're there.

A NEW BAND to keep an eye on are Go, who turned in a great set last weekend at Ralph's. Featuring the tight, controlled bursts of Beatlesque power that marked bands like the Spongetones and Smithereens, Go were polished in all the right ways. It says a lot about a band when the worst two songs they put across were covers of the Monkees and of the Ramones. Good harmonies, big licks, bigger hooks -- they were classic power-pop out of the Dwight Twilley school (which is an obscuro-reference for saying very, very good). Someday, we hope, more deejay/band folk will be as grabbed as we were.

CAFE ABBA will be closed for the remainder of April and part of May for interior renovations. The last remaining all-ages spot in the Worm will be adding 21-plus gigs to its menu once it's re-opened. Though this isn't necessarily the death rattle of all-ages entertainment, we gotta wonder when city officials will get behind the idea of making all-ages access to clubs a viable solution. Wrist-band policies have been implemented successfully throughout the Commonwealth, so why is it that whenever the topic is broached with club owners, they react like someone suggested offering anthrax on tap? Where does Jordan Levy weigh in on this one? Though Mayor Mariano has offered support in getting a non-profit artist group up and running with the proper permits -- namely, the defunct Space -- we aren't holding our breath. And, speaking of pessimistic outlooks, it would appear the odds of the Espresso Bar ever re-opening are diminishing. While there is an occasional benefit gig to help ex-Ebar owner Eric Spencer with his exhaustive search for a new locale, things aren't any closer now than they were a year ago. (See "Hardcore times," page 10.)

IN THE GOOD-NEWS DEPARTMENT, the Pathetics, practitioners of all that is meaningless but with a good beat, have their single "King Rat" out on a national compilation from the beautiful folks at Troma Video (also responsible for the cultural touchstones Toxic Avenger and Class of Nukem High). It's perfect that Troma and the boys hooked up; it's a natural fit of great minds thinking alike -- only without the great minds part. Heavy-hitting math rockers Jujitsu have a new four-song EP out, while Hitch have their first disc, Hot Isotope, ready for release next week. Second Class Citizen's So Much Class (G-Vegas) is ready for release. Garrison have finished their second disc for California indie Revelation Records, with advance copies on the way and a release date scheduled for June 4 at Ralph's. After that, they head out for a three-week across-country swing and a two-week European tour set for September. There will be changes in band personnel (by choice, not because of artistic differences) before they hit the road, so make it a point to catch the Ralph's gig.

If you're in a record-purchasing mood, we recommend dropping your cash on the Plus Ones' On the List (Coldfront), and Little Red Rocket's It's in the Sound (Monolith). They're two great pop albums we'll buy back from you if you don't like 'em. Of course, we'll lace you with a bunch of disparaging remarks first. Also, if you don't yet have a copy of local fave Dennis Brennan's Rule No.1, you're missing out.

For whatever it's worth Captain P.J. has been doing a heck of a job profiling local bands on his late-night WCUW show Rockin' Revolution (91.3 FM). From jam, hip-hop metal, and punk -- all are welcome to drop by the studio and spend some time with His Mentalness. Too bad more of the 'CUW staffers don't share P.J.'s enthusiasm for the station, because it's still the best radio anywhere in the world. Tune in sometime or, better yet, make a donation to P.J.'s show.

The final tally is in for the Worcester Phoenix Best Music Poll; once again, get ready for the Big Phoenix Rock Show -- this time it's at the Lucky Dog on May 12. Plenty of quality entertainment, a bunch of social luminaries rubbing elbows, and some free food -- so don't miss out. There will also be the introduction of the Phoenix Music Department's new mascot, "Ralphie." See you there.